Police have issued an update following a five-vehicle collision on the M55 this morning.

Emergency services were called at around 8.45am to junction three of the westbound carriageway to reports five vehicles had collided shortly before the exit slip road.

Officers attended with the ambulance and fire services and the motorway was closed in both directions between junctions one and three.

The eastbound carriageway has now reopened although the westbound side is expected to remain closed for some time while police carry out a detailed investigation.

Two lorries are thought to be involved in the crash along with two cars and a van.

First Aid has been administered to two people at the scene with a third person cut from a car.

More: M55 closed near Preston as two lorries involved in crash

Sgt Steve Wignall, of the Roads Policing Unit, said: “This was a serious collision which occurred in busy morning traffic and we are very much in the early stages of piecing together what happened and what the level of injuries are.

“We would like to thank motorists for their patience while we continue our investigation. We will reopen the motorway fully as soon as we possibly can.”